OU's offensive tackle 'wish list'

Looked at interior linemen, now the 'wish list' views the top tackle targets for OU for the 2016 class.

Things are starting to work themselves out on the recruiting trail. It’s time to start looking more intently on Oklahoma’s “wish list” for the Class of 2016.

Here is an idea of where OU stands in May, the first list of the cycle. The number in parentheses indicates the number of recruits OU is looking to sign at the position for the Class of 2016. The names do not necessarily reflect OU’s official board but are the best guesstimate of who OU is targeting.

Offense

Offensive tackle (2)

Committed: None.

Favorite: Trophy Club (Texas) Byron Nelson’s Kellen Diesch. Most thought he had committed when the “817” area code was tweeted last week. That turned out to be juco wide receiver Ryan Parker, but Diesch is definitely still in play. He was at junior day and the spring game. Was born in Norman and said he’ll always be an OU fan. The question is will he be an OU player? Arkansas is absolutely the biggest competition for Diesch.

Next in line: Lewisville (Texas) High’s Denzel Okafor. One of OU’s recent offer, Okafor is a name offensive line coach Bill Bedenbaugh has been monitoring for a while. It was a huge week for Okafor, who added a number of big-time offers during that span. Okafor hasn’t visited Norman yet, which could end up being the game-changer in his recruitment.

Brooklyn (N.Y.) ASA College’s Charles Baldwin. Seems clear OU will take at least one juco offensive tackle and Baldwin could be that guy. Already a four-star prospect, Baldwin has OU in his short list. Beating out Alabama is never easy as Tide appear to be early favorite, but he’ll be one to watch going forward.

On the radar: North Mesquite (Texas) High’s Jean Delance. Another year, another case of seeing if a one-time commit will come back into the mix. Last year didn’t turn out well with Josh Wariboko (UCLA), and now Delance is in play. Famously decommitted in March after the SAE incident after having been committed since November, but he has been in contact once again with Bedenbaugh and recruiting coordinator Cale Gundy. OU isn’t the favorite as there really doesn’t feel like there is one, but the Sooners aren’t out of the race, either.